Most Iranians back retaliation against Israel, even if it leads to war, says IRGC official

Deputy head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) intelligence said on Sunday that 65% to 68% of Iranians support responding to Israel's October attack on Iran, even if it leads to war.

Brigadier General Mehdi Sayyari cited a survey from a “reputable institute” for his claim but did not provide further details about its source.

Sayyari also accused Israel of using cyber, security, and military tactics to destabilize Iran instead of pursuing direct confrontation.

"Their strategy is to create instability and unrest within Iran because they know military action alone cannot achieve their goals," Sayyari said, speaking at an event in Qazvin on Sunday.

He attributed the purported Iranian public support for retaliation to a strong sense of national and religious duty, which he said Israel and its allies have been unable to weaken.